2006 Southern Illinois Salukis Basketball Preview

2006 Southern Illinois Salukis Basketball Predictions

Southern Illinois (21- 11 overall and 12- 6 in MVC), which tied
for second last season in their conference, looks even better
than they did last year. All five starters are back as are the
eight top players from last year’s team. It’s been
five straight NCAA Tournaments for the Salukis. This season, they’ll
make it an even half-dozen.

This is not a big backcourt but it is a talented one. Senior
guard Jamaal Tatum (15.0 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 3.3 APG), a pro prospect,
is dynamic on defense and offense. Tony Young (11.6 PPG, 2.8 RPG,
1.9 APG) is an expert at three-pointers and a tough defender.
He’s the point man along with sure handed backup Bryan Mullins
(5.5 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 3.2 APG). Sophomore Wesley Clemmons (3.5 PPG,
2.3 RPG, 0.5 APG) uses his athleticism to create turnovers, while
freshman Joshua Bone is a fine long-ball shooter.

Inside, the club has forward Matt Shaw (10.0 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 1.2
APG), forward Randall Falker (9.1 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 1.4 APG) and center
Jamaal Foster (2.0 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 0.3 APG). Although this is not
a big frontcourt, they are tough and able to turn back opponents.

Head coach Chris Lowery (49- 19 in 2 years) has a young but talented
team. Although the club got off to a tough 2- 3 start last season,
Lowery got them focused and by the second half the Salukis were
headed to another 20-win season. The strength of this team has
been on defense, but this season should reveal improvement in
the offensive area.

This is a team that gained important experience last season,
learning and improving until they became an efficient unit. This
year more players should be in the mix and that will certainly
help sustain this club in a very long season. They will vie for
the conference championship and should land a NCAA berth.

2006-07 NCAA Basketball Previews

We have listed
the six major conferences and a mid major preview below. When you click
on the conference link you will find a preview of the conference with
predictions in addition you can find individual team previews for each
school in the conference.